Film Certificates-

The Video Recording's Act 1984 introduced that all 'video works' must be classified by the BBFC, unless they fall within the definition of an exempted work. There are different categories for films these include, 'U' - Universal, 'PG' - Parental Guidance, '12A' - Suitable for 12 and above, parental guidance for below, '15' - 15 years and older and '18' - Suitable for adults.

'U' Universal -
The guidelines for this certificate are:
- No discriminatory language or behaviour unless it is dissaproved of.
- No references to illegal drugs or misuse, unless it is for educational purposes/dissaproved of.
- Any scary sequences should be mild, and shouldn't case lasting anxiety for those watching. The outcome should be reassuring.
- Infrequent use of 'mild' bad language
- No potentially dangerous behaviour that may be copied, with no emphasis on easily accessible weapons.
- Occassional natural nudity
- Only mild sexual behaviour (e.g. kissing) and only references (e.g. making love)
- Problematic themes must be approached carefully and appropriate for young children.
- Mild violence
'PG' Parental Guidane -
Guidelines for this certificate are:
- Discriminatory language or behaviour unacceptable unless clearly disapproved of/educational
- Drug references only allowed if disapproved of or educational
- Horror/frightening sequences shouldn't be prolonged or intense.
- No detail of dangerous behaviour which is likely to be copie
- No glamorisation of realistic or easily accessible weapons.
- 'Mild' bad language only
- Natural nudity with no sexual content
- Sexual activity may be implied but only discreetly and infrequently
- Mild sex references and innuendo only
- Strong themes should be resolved
- Moderate violence permitted, without detail, if justified by its context (e.g. history or comedy)
None of these certificates would have suited our film due to the restrictions put in place. The restrictions on violence would have hindered our film due to the nature of our plot, which involves heavy violence and death/murder themes. Our film would not be suitable for younger audiences, such as those watching 'U' and 'PG' films.
The certificate for our film could have been:
'12A/12'
The guidelines for this certificate included:
- Discriminatory language or behaviour will only be acceptable when condemned.
- Misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamourised
- Moderate physical/psychological threat may be permitted, but only if it is frequent
- Dangerous behaviour may occur, but shouldn't be in detail that may be copied or appear pain/harm free and easily accessible weapons shouldn't be glamourised
- Moderate language is allowed, with strong language allowed but must be infrequent
- Nudity is allowed, but in sexual content must be discreet and brief
- Sexual activity may be brief and discreet and frequent crude references may not be acceptable
- Mature themes acceptable but must be suitable for teenagers
- Moderate violence allowed but shouldn't dwell on, no emphasis on injury/blood but occassional gory moments be shown if justified by its context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and must have a strong contextual justification.
'18'
The guidlines for this certificate is very minimal:
The adult watching this film are doing so at their own free will and own choice of entertainment.
We could have used these film certificates for our film as they are less restricted than the previous. A '12A/12' allows some moderate violence but isn't allowed to be dwelled on or in detail. This would be a problem for our film as the main theme is based on violence/murders, this would be a difficult obstacle to overcome. Moreover, this certificate only permits infrequent use of psychological/physical threat which is a constant theme within our film. Taking all of this into account, a '12' certificate would not be suitable. In addition a certificate of '18' would be inadequate for our film, as the violence and themes chosen are not that strong that only adults may view it. Our film is a lot more toned down in violence, and does not include scenes of sexual nature. So upon this research, we have decided an '18' certificate would also not be suitable.

Our film will have the 15 certificate.

The guidelines include:

- Violence may be strong, but shouldn't dwell on pain and injury.

- Nudity may be used in a non-sexual context or educationally. If use in sexual-content must be mild.

- Drugs may be shown in the film but must not promote it.

- Shouldn't glamourise dangerous behaviour, including weapons and self-harming/suicide, if used shouldn't be encouraged.

- Frequent use of language is permitted, only if justified by the context, repeated use of language isn't permitted.

- Sexual activity may be shown without strong detail.

- Strong threat is permitted unless sadistic/sexualised.

- Must not promote/glamourise discriminatory language or behaviour.

When filming our movie we will follow these guidelines and make sure we don't promote/endorse the behaviour, language or theme's suggested.

Our film will need to be a 15 due to strong violence and suggestive themes to do with death and murder. The frequent use of these suggestives themes will be suitable for this audience.